70 days: Temple's Solitude

Today I set out on an e-bike to explore the temples of Bagan. The weather was ideal, sunny but with a gentle breeze that kept the ride comfortable. The freedom of riding through the dusty roads, past ancient pagodas and stupas, was exhilarating. I started with the quieter, lesser-known temples where I could wander without many tourists. Each stop revealed a different story, a hidden corner of history in this vast landscape of monuments.

At one point, I came upon a smaller, almost forgotten temple. The walls were worn, the frescoes faded, but it had a certain charm, a whisper of ancient stories waiting to be heard. I sat there for a while, sketching its crumbling doorway and the lone tree growing beside it, feeling a deep connection to its solitude.

As the day wore on, I rode along the Irrawaddy River, catching glimpses of local life along the banks. Children waved and I felt an overwhelming sense of peace in the simplicity of it all. Bagan's energy is subtle yet profound, and today I felt like I was part of its quiet, timeless dance.